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Food

My Food Philosophy

“Make eating healthy your lifestyle, not your diet!”

I never really realized how food affected me until I got older. As a kid and adolescent I could eat whatever I wanted without seeing a difference in my body or the way I felt. My Mom always taught me the importance of a well balanced diet and every dinner had a protein, carb and vegetable, but I definitely indulged in some not so healthy snacks and sweets. Let’s just say dunkaroos were my go to snack after school! I am known to have a big sweet tooth in my family and in my younger days I ate as much of it as I wanted.

As I get older I understand how important it is to take care of my body. The best way for me to do this is to be more conscious of my food choices. I can’t eat a plate of nachos, chicken tenders and a huge piece of cake like I might have when I was kid, without feeling completely affected by the sugar and fat I just consumed.

Today my body is much more sensitive to carbs and sugar. I have explored low carb, low fat, gluten free and non-dairy diets. To me the word “diet” means restriction, calorie counting and misery. In the past, when I approached eating as a diet, I would be so disappointed in myself if I strayed from my diet and constantly felt stressed. Eating wasn’t fun when I was “dieting.” Now, I no longer view my way of eating as a “diet,” but rather a “lifestyle.” Through trial and error I have come to understand what foods make me feel best and give me the most energy for the day. Today my “lifestyle” is mostly low-carb meals, but it doesn’t mean I won’t let myself indulge every now and then with some chocolate cake! I tend to eat 6 small meals a day to keep my blood sugar stable and metabolism up! Gluten can affect me as well, triggers my migraines, so I try to limit my gluten intake and if I do eat it I choose whole grains.

It is easy to make healthy food choices when you know what foods make you feel best. Now when I see some yummy looking donuts sitting in my office, I stop and ask myself, “how will I feel after I eat that?” Knowing that it will bring on a sugar crash and leave me exhausted wanting to hide under my desk for a nap, helps me make a healthier choice and reach for an apple and almonds instead.

Adopt the philosophy to eat lean, clean and green, like the Tone It Up girls preach. I try to do this as much as possible and feel best when I do. Eating this way has changed my life, gives me energy and I can’t ever imagine going back to the way I once ate.

Everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for the next. I do low-carb and limit gluten because of how easily I am affected by the sugar and starches. Someone else might be sensitive to dairy or have a certain food allergy. Find what works for you and make it your “lifestyle.” Ditch the diets and you will bring joy back into eating!